MUSIC TO MY EARS

This has been the week of Vacation Bible School for us...

we have been on a 'High Seas Expedition' exploring the mighty love of God!

Alex is old enough to participate this year so both girls are enjoying this week very much!Brooklyn is a Parrot. Alex is a Chipmunk. Me? Well, I'm helping 'Shepherd' the Seagulls.

I have 9 boys and 1 little girl. It's an AWESOME group!

We started on Sunday with 'Family Night' and tonight is the finale. But, last night....well, last night brought me to tears.

One of my boys is hearing impaired. And, it just so happens that an Aunt and Uncle of Scott's is deaf. I met them for the first time this summer and learned a couple signs for various words while they visited. Don't tell me God doesn't prepare us for our journey!

On the 2nd night of VBS, my seagull buddy was trying to tell other shepherds that he had to go to the bathroom. For whatever reason, they asked me to try to figure out what he wanted. He used his hand to sign while also saying "potty". And, I just knew. From that point on, this little seagull will not leave my side. His head is on a constant rotation keeping his eyes on me. And, he just lights up when we make eye contact. Unfortunately, I think that he thinks I understand Sign Language. We have had full conversations...mostly about his Dad...which I learned the sign for from Scott's aunt, so I ask questions and he helps me understand by signing and saying words at the same time. Somehow it works for us but he doesn't interact much with the other kids or adults.

But, last night, he finally 'opened up' during worship before we ended for the night. And, when I say opened up....I mean he was singing with all his might. The kids around us kept turning to look. He was loud. Very loud. He was yelling the words on the screen for the songs but it didn't sound like the words. Just yelling. His face was beaming! It was amazing listening to this little guy singing for the Lord. It was infectious too. After other kids realized that someone wasn't being disruptive....just singing...they started smiling, singing and really participating in the worship songs along with him. And, then there was me...trying to contain my tears of joy.

So, from the impact that 1 little seagull had last night....imagine if we all did that every day?

I encourage all of you to go out and "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" ~ Psalm 100 ~